Device for controlling motion of anti-collision switch and medical diagnosis apparatus employing the same

ABSTRACT

In a device for controlling an operation of an anti-collision switch, the anti-collision switch is provided in a support close to a guide frame that is provided at at least one of both lateral sides of a table frame, to prevent collision of the table frame that is supported on the table support to be capable of moving in a lengthwise direction. The device includes a first lever coupled to the table support so that at least a portion of the first lever moves in a vertical direction according to deformation of the guide frame, and a second lever pressing the anti-collision switch in a normal state and, when a vertical movement of the first lever deviates from a preset height, being moved up by the first lever to remove pressing of the anti-collision switch and operate the anti-collision switch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2012-0098963, filed on Sep. 6, 2012, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

One or more embodiments relate to a device for controlling the operationof an anti-collision switch capable of controlling an operation motion,and a table for a medical diagnosis apparatus employing the device.

2. Description of the Related Art

A medical diagnosis apparatus, such as an X-ray photographing apparatus,has a table guide structure capable of sliding a table to a positionwhere an examination operation, such as an X-ray irradiation, isperformed. In other words, in the table guide structure of an X-rayphotographing apparatus, an examinee (a patient) is laid on the table ata comfortable position, and the table slides to a position where X-rayphotographing is easily performed. Thus, the X-ray photographing, whichis a medical examination operation, may be easily performed.

The table guide structure is equipped with a lift for elevating thetable for convenience of an examinee. Also, an anti-collision switch isprovided on the table to prevent a wheel chair or an examinee from beingpressed and damaged or hurt by the table that is lowered. To avoidmalfunction of the table due to deformation of a table frame, theanti-collision switch has a structure to maintain a gap from the tableframe to cover the predictable maximum deformation amount or a structurethat is specially manufactured to be capable of controlling a motion ofthe table to cover the deformation.

SUMMARY

Additional aspects and/or advantages of one or more embodiments will beset forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of one ormore embodiments of disclosure. One or more embodiments are inclusive ofsuch additional aspects.

One or more embodiments provide a device for controlling the operationof an anti-collision switch which may prevent a vertical movement of atable frame or generation of a collision sound due to the verticalmovement by forming a gap between the anti-collision switch and thetable frame and may reduce much cost needed for separately manufacturinga switch capable of controlling a motion, and a table for a medicaldiagnosis apparatus employing the device.

According to an aspect of one or more embodiments, a device forcontrolling an operation of an anti-collision switch, the anti-collisionswitch being provided in a table support adjacent to a guide frame thatis provided at at least one of both lateral sides of a table frame thatis supported on the table support to be capable of moving in alengthwise direction, may include a first lever coupled to the tablesupport so that at least a portion of the first lever may move in avertical direction according to deformation of the guide frame, and asecond lever pressing the anti-collision switch in a normal state and,when a vertical movement of the first lever deviates from a presetheight, being moved up by the first lever to release the anti-collisionswitch.

A gap adjustment member for adjusting a gap between the first lever andthe second lever may be provided on the first lever such that the gapadjustment member collides against the second lever when the first leveris moved upwardly. The gap adjustment member may be any one of a bolt, ascrew, and a protruding pin. Since the gap with the second lever may beadjusted by the gap adjustment member, an operating motion to operatethe anti-collision switch may be adjusted. Furthermore, since a bolt, ascrew, or a protruding pin may be employed as the gap adjustment member,the operating motion may be adjusted.

The device may further include a first elastic member elasticallypressing the first lever toward the guide frame, and a second elasticmember elastically pressing an end of the second lever toward theanti-collision switch. One end of the first elastic member may be fixedon the first lever and the other end of the first elastic member may befixed on the table support. One end of the second elastic member may befixed on the second lever and the other end of the second elastic membermay be fixed on the first lever. One end of the second elastic membermay be fixed on the second lever and the other end of the second elasticmember may be fixed on the table support. Since the first elastic membermay cause the first lever to remain in contact with the guide frame, amovement of the table frame or generation of a collision sound due tothe movement of the table frame may be reduced.

The device may further include a bearing that is rotatably coupled tothe first lever and directly contacts the guide frame. The bearing mayreduce a friction generated when the guide frame slides over the firstlever.

The first lever may be pivotably coupled to the table support. The firstlever may include a first portion where a rotational axis that ispivotably coupled to the table support is disposed and a second portionextending from the first portion in a direction parallel to the guideframe. The device may further include a first elastic member that hasone end fixed on the second portion of the first lever and the other endfixed on the table support and elastically presses the second portion ofthe first lever toward the guide frame.

The first lever may include a third portion that extends from the firstportion in the same direction in which the second portion extends and isdisposed above at least a portion of the second lever. The device mayfurther include a second elastic member that has one end fixed on thesecond lever and the other end fixed on the third portion of the firstlever so that one side of the second lever elastically presses thesecond lever in a direction to press the anti-collision switch.

The second lever may include a first portion where a rotational axisthat is pivotably coupled to the first lever is disposed, a secondportion formed by being bent from the first portion so that an end ofthe second elastic member is fixed on the second portion, and a thirdportion formed by being bent from the first portion to press theanti-collision switch from above. A gap adjustment member for adjustinga gap between the first lever and the second portion of the second levermay be provided on the first portion of the first lever facing thesecond portion of the second lever.

The anti-collision switch may be a press button switch or a touchsensor. The first lever may be coupled to the table support to becapable of linearly moving in a vertical direction. The second lever maybe coupled to the table support to be capable of pivoting or linearlymoving in a vertical direction.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a table for amedical diagnosis apparatus may include a table support, a table framesupported on the table support to be capable of moving in a lengthwisedirection, a guide frame provided at at least one of both lateral sidesof the table frame, an anti-collision switch provided in the tablesupport close to the guide frame and operating when a collision occursin the table frame, a device for controlling an operation of theanti-collision switch, and a control unit that stops a movement of thetable frame when the anti-collision switch is operated. In the table fora medical diagnosis apparatus, the device for controlling an operationof the anti-collision switch may include a first lever coupled to thetable support so that at least a portion of the first lever moves in avertical direction according to deformation of the guide frame, and asecond lever pressing the anti-collision switch in a normal state and,when a vertical movement of the first lever deviates from a presetheight, being moved up by the first lever to release the anti-collisionswitch.

The height of the table support may be adjustable. For example, thetable support may have a two-step structure of a lower support and anupper support capable of moving up and down.

The table may be a table for an X-ray photographing apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readilyappreciated from the following description of embodiments, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a table for a medicaldiagnosis apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a front side view schematically illustrating a table accordingto one or more embodiments, such as the table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a device forcontrolling the operation of an anti-collision switch employed in atable according to one or more embodiments, such as the table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the devicefor controlling the operation of an anti-collision switch according toone or more embodiments, such as the anti-collision switch of FIG. 3,showing a relationship between forces applied to each constituentelements; and

FIGS. 5A through 5D are cross-sectional views schematically illustratingthe operation of the device for controlling the operation of ananti-collision switch according to one or more embodiments, such as theanti-collision switch of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments,illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, embodimentsof the present invention may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as being limited to embodiments set forthherein, as various changes, modifications, and equivalents of thesystems, apparatuses and/or methods described herein will be understoodto be included in the invention by those of ordinary skill in the artafter embodiments discussed herein are understood. Accordingly,embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, toexplain aspects of the present invention.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “atleast one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire listof elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a table 100 for amedical diagnosis apparatus according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 2is a front side view schematically illustrating a table according to oneor more embodiments, such as the table 100 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the table 100 for a medical diagnosisapparatus may include a table frame 110 and a table support 160 forsupporting the table frame 110. The table frame 110 may be used for anexaminee (a patient) receiving a diagnosis to lie thereon. For example,the table frame 110 may have a rectangular upper surface. When the table100 for a medical diagnosis apparatus is used as a table of an X-rayphotographing apparatus, the table frame 110 may be formed of amaterial, such as plastic, through which X-rays may pass. An X-raysource (not shown) may be positioned above the table frame 110. An X-raydetection apparatus (not shown) for detecting the X-rays passing throughthe table frame 110 may be positioned under the table frame 110. Thus,X-ray photographing may be performed when an examinee is lying on thetable frame 110.

The table support 160 may have, for example, a 2-step structure of alower support 161 and an upper support 162 capable of moving in avertical direction 171, that is, ascending and descending, with respectto the lower support 161. A variety of structures capable of adjustingheight may be employed as the table support 160. Also, anascending/descending actuating unit 180 may be provided inside oroutside the table support 160 to automatically control theascending/descending of the table frame 110 by a user operation. Awell-known device such as a hydraulic pump or a motor may be employed asthe ascending/descending actuating unit 180.

The table frame 110 may be supported to be slidable in a lengthwisedirection 172 with respect to the table support 160. As an example of asliding support structure capable of moving in the lengthwise direction172, a plurality of load support wheels 165 of FIG. 2 may be provided inareas A and B at both lateral sides of the table support 160. As theload support wheels 165 support a lower portion 111 at both lateralsides of the table frame 110 to be capable of sliding, the table frame110 may move in the lengthwise direction 172 with respect to the tablesupport 160. Also, a sliding actuating unit (not shown), such as amotor, may be provided in the table support 160 and thus the table frame110 may be controlled to automatically move in the lengthwise direction172 by a user operation. Furthermore, a moving structure (not shown) tomove the table frame 110 in a widthwise direction of the table frame 110may be further provided in the table support 160.

A guide frame 120 may be provided at at least one of both lateral sidesof the table frame 110. The guide frame 120 may have a bent shape sothat a predetermined space may be provided therein. The guide frame 120may be formed integrally with the table frame 110 or separatelytherefrom and attached to the table frame 110. As the table frame 110moves in the lengthwise direction 172, the guide frame 120 integrallyformed with the table frame 110 also may move in the lengthwisedirection 172. The load support wheels 165 located in the predeterminedspace 121 provided by the guide frame 120 may be protected and visuallycovered by the guide frame 120.

A control unit 190 for controlling the ascending/descending motion ofthe table support 160 and the sliding motion of the table frame 110 maybe provided inside or outside the table support 160. When collisionsoccur as the table frame 110 moves, as described below, ananti-collision switch 270 as shown in FIG. 3 may be operated. Thus,information about the collision may be provided to the control unit 190,and the control unit 190 may stop the ascending/descending motion of thetable support 160 or the sliding motion of the table frame 110.

A switch operation control device 200 may be fixed at any one lateralside or both lateral sides of the table support 160. One or more switchoperation control devices 200 may be provided on each lateral side ofthe table support 160. For example, the switch operation control device200 may be provided in at least one of the areas A and B. The switchoperation control device 200 may be located in the predetermined spaceformed by the bent shape of the guide frame 120 so that the switchoperation control device 200 may be protected and visually covered bythe guide frame 120.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a switch operation controldevice according to one or more embodiments in detail. FIG. 4 is a frontside view of switch operation control device according to one or moreembodiments. In FIGS. 3 and 4, a second lever 230 is indicated by ahidden line to clearly show the internal structure of the switchoperation control device 200.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the switch operation control device 200 mayinclude a first lever 220 that moves in a vertical direction accordingto deformation of the guide frame 120 and a second lever 230 operated bythe first lever 220 when the deformation of the guide frame 120 deviatesfrom a predetermined gap. The anti-collision switch 270 may be providedto possibly prevent an examinee or a wheelchair from being pressed andhurt or damaged by the table frame 110 that descends.

The first lever 220 may be coupled to the table support 160 to becapable of pivoting around a rotational axis 224 so that at least apart, that is, a second portion 222, of the first lever 220 may movevertically with respect to the table support 160.

A bearing 210 may be provided at the first lever 220 to reduce frictionbetween the first lever 220 and the guide frame 120. In other words, thebearing 210 is pivotably coupled to the first lever 220 and contacts aninner surface 120 a of the guide frame 120. As the table frame 110 movesin the lengthwise direction 172, the guide frame 120 integrally formedwith the table frame 110 also moves in the lengthwise direction 172 andthus the bearing 210 contacting an inner surface 120 a of the guideframe 120 rotates in a direction 211. A rotational axis of the bearing210 may be separated a predetermined distance from the rotational axis224 of the first lever 220 in a lengthwise direction 172 of the guideframe 120. When the guide frame 120 is deformed to be curved vertically,as described below, the bearing 210 may move in an upward direction 212of FIG. 5A as the guide frame 120 moves in the lengthwise direction 172.Accordingly, the first lever 220 may pivot around the rotational axis224. The bearing 210 may be omitted, though friction may be generated.When the bearing 210 is omitted, one side of the first lever 220 maydirectly contact the guide frame 120.

The first lever 220 may include a first portion 221 pivotably coupled tothe table support 160, and the second portion 222 and a third portion223 extending from the first portion 221 in one direction parallel tothe guide frame 120. The second portion 222 of the first lever 220 maybe located closer to a lower side, that is, the guide frame 120,compared to the third portion 223. The second portion 222 may be longerthan the third portion 223. The second portion 222 and the third portion223 of the first lever 220 may be located, together with the bearing210, at the same side with respect to the rotational axis 224 of thefirst lever 220. Thus, when the bearing 210 moves in the verticaldirection 212 of FIG. 5A, the first lever 220 may pivot around therotational axis 224. Accordingly, the second portion 222 and the thirdportion 223 of the first lever 220 may move in the vertical direction212.

A gap adjustment member 229 may be provided at the second portion 222 ofthe first lever 220. The gap adjustment member 229 may be located wherethe first lever 220 may contact one side of the second lever 230 whenthe first lever 220 pivots. The gap adjustment member 229 is aprotruding member having an end portion 229 a whose height may beadjustable, for example, a bolt, a screw, or a protruding pin. When abolt or a screw is employed as the gap adjustment member 229, a gap Gbetween the end portion 229 a of the gap adjustment member 229 and asecond portion 232 of the second lever 230 may be easily adjusted byturning the bolt or screw. The gap G between the end portion 229 a ofthe gap adjustment member 229 and the second portion 232 of the secondlever 230 may be provided to prevent unintended malfunction due toundesirable deformation of the table frame 110.

The second lever 230 may include a first portion 231 that may bepivotably coupled to the first lever 220 via a rotational axis 234.

The second lever 230 may further include a second portion 232 that maybe formed by bending a part of a lower end of the first portion 231 ofthe second lever 230. The second portion 232 of the second lever 230 maybe separated by a predetermined gap from a lower surface of the thirdportion 223 of the first lever 220 and may face the lower surface of thethird portion 223. The second portion 232 of the second lever 230 may beinserted in a space between the second portion 222 and the third portion223 of the first lever 220. The gap adjustment member 229 mat be locatedat a predetermined position of the second portion 222 of the first lever220 and may face the second portion 232 of the second lever 230.

Also, the second lever 230 may include a third portion 233 that may beformed by bending an end portion of the first portion 231 of the secondlever 230 to be able to press the anti-collision switch 270 located atan upper portion of a first fixed block 240. The first fixed block 240may be separated by a predetermined distance from an end portion of thesecond portion 222 of the first lever 220 and may be fixed at one sideof the table support 160. The first fixed block 240 may be integrallyformed with the table support 160.

The anti-collision switch 270 may be located under the third portion 233of the second lever 230. The anti-collision switch 270 may be installedon an upper portion of the first fixed block 240 or on the table support160. A push button switch may be employed as the anti-collision switch270. The push button switch is a switch that is operated when a buttonis pressed and in which the button is returned to the original statewhen the button is released. The push button switch is well known in thefield to which the present invention pertains. The anti-collision switch270 of the first fixed block 240 may be located under the third portion233 of the second lever 230 and may be in a state of being pressed bythe third portion 233 of the second lever 230 in a normal state.Alternatively, a touch sensor for sensing contact may be employed as theanti-collision switch 270. As described below, when the table frame 110meets against an obstacle, the anti-collision switch 270 may be operatedto stop the movement of the table frame 110.

A second fixed block 250 may include a protruding portion 251 that maybe separated from the second portion 222 of the first lever 220 to facethe same, and may be fixed on the table support 160. The protrudingportion 251 of the second fixed block 250 may be located outside pivotranges of the first lever 220 and the second lever 230. A first elasticmember 261 may be provided between the second portion 222 of the firstlever 220 and the protruding portion 251 of the second fixed block 250,which face each other. One end of the first elastic member 261 may befixed on an upper surface of the second portion 222 of the first lever220 and the other end of the first elastic member 261 may be fixed on alower surface of the protruding portion 251 of the second fixed block250. The first elastic member 261 may be fixed, for example, by using aprotrusion or a concavity formed at the upper surface of the secondportion 222 of the first lever 220 and the lower surface of theprotruding portion 251 of the second fixed block 250. The first elasticmember 261 may be, for example, a spring or rubber. The first elasticmember 261 may elastically press the second portion 222 of the firstlever 220 toward the guide frame 120. In other words, an operating forceF1 of the first elastic member 261 may act in a direction in which theprotruding portion 251 of the second fixed block 250 pushes the secondportion 222 of the first lever 220. The bearing 210 may be maintained ina state of contacting the guide frame 120 by the operating force F1 ofthe first elastic member 261. Thus, a vertical movement of the tableframe 110 may be restricted and generation of sound from a collision dueto the vertical movement may be reduced.

A second elastic member 262 may be located between the third portion 223of the first lever 220 and the second portion 232 of the second lever230. One end of the second elastic member 262 may be fixed on the uppersurface of the second portion 232 of the second lever 230, and the otherend of the second elastic member 262 may be fixed on the lower surfaceof the third portion 223 of the first lever 220. The second elasticmember 262 may be fixed, for example, by using a protrusion or aconcavity formed on the upper surface of the second portion 232 of thesecond lever 230 and the lower surface of the third portion 223 of thefirst lever 220. An operating force F2 of the second elastic member 262may act in a direction in which the third portion 223 of the first lever220 pushes the second portion 232 of the second lever 230.

The operating forces F1 and F2 of the first and second elastic members261 and 263 may finally act as a force of the second lever 230 to pressthe anti-collision switch 270. As a reaction to the final force, anoperating force F3 that presses the anti-collision switch 270 by pushingupwards of the third portion 233 of the second lever 230 may begenerated so that the operating forces F1, F2 and F3 are in anequilibrium state.

Next, the operation of the switch operation control device 200 in thetable 100 for a medical diagnosis apparatus according to the presentembodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5Athrough 5D. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the table frame 110 may move inthe vertical direction 171 and/or the lengthwise direction 172 so thatan examinee may lie on the table frame 110. A state in which the tableframe 110 moves while the anti-collision switch 270 is pressed isreferred to as a normal state. In the normal state, the anti-collisionswitch 270 located under the third portion 233 of the second lever 230is pressed by the third portion 233 of the second lever 230. Themovement of the table frame 110, for example, in the vertical direction171 and/or the lengthwise direction 172, is normally performed.

Although the guide frame 120 is assumed to be flat without a deviationin its height, the guide frame 120 may be deformed in the manufacturingor use process. FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrates a case in which theguide frame 120 is curved by height changes H1, H2, and H3. The heightchanges H1, H2, and H3 are values that sequentially increase.

Referring to FIGS. 5A through 5C, when the table frame 110 of FIG. 1moves in the lengthwise direction 172, the bearing 210 of the switchoperation control device 200 may be rotated along the movement of theguide frame 120. As the guide frame 120 is curved, the bearing 210 maybe moved upwardly by the guide frame 120 in the upward direction 212 bythe height changes H1, H2, and H3. Since the rotational axis of thebearing 210 and the rotational axis 224 of the first lever 220 may beseparated by a predetermined distance from each other in the lengthwisedirection 172 of the guide frame 120, the upward movement of the bearing210 may cause the first lever 220 to slightly rotate in a clockwisedirection 225 around the rotational axis 224. Also, since the secondlever 230 may be pivotably coupled to the first lever 220, therotational axis 234 of the second lever 230 may be slightly movedupwardly according to the slight rotation of the first lever 220. Inthis case, however, the second lever 230 may continue to press theanti-collision switch 270 because the anti-collision switch 270 receivesa downward force by the second elastic member 262. In other words,according to the present embodiment, even when a slight deformation isgenerated in the guide frame 120, the table frame 110 may maintain anormal movement because the anti-collision switch 270 maintains apressed state.

The above state may be maintained until the end portion 229 a of the gapadjustment member 229 contacts the second portion 232 of the secondlever 230, as illustrated in FIG. 5C. In other words, even when thebearing 210 and the first lever 220 are gradually moved upwardly as theguide frame 120 is curved, the second lever 230 may continue to pressthe anti-collision switch 270 because the second portion 232 of thesecond lever 230 receives the downward force by the second elasticmember 262 until the end portion 229 a of the gap adjustment member 229contacts the second portion 232 of the second lever 230. The heightchange H3 when the end portion 229 a of the gap adjustment member 229contacts the second portion 232 of the second lever 230 may correspondto a limit for the table frame 110 to maintain a normal movement. Thelimit may be adjusted by the gap G of FIG. 4 between the end portion 229a of the gap adjustment member 229 and the second portion 232 of thesecond lever 230. In other words, an operation distance to prevent anundesired malfunction due to a deformation defect of the table frame110, that is, the limit at which the table frame 110 maintains thenormal movement, may be set by adjusting the height of the end portion229 a of the gap adjustment member 229. In other words, when thevertical movement of the table frame 110 is performed less than or equalto the height change H3, the gap G between the end portion 229 a of thegap adjustment member 229 and the second portion 232 of the second lever230 may prevent stop of the movement of the table frame 110.

FIG. 5D illustrates that the guide frame 120 is curved by the heightchange H4. The height change H4 is higher than the set height change H3.When the bearing 210 is moved upwardly by as much as the height changeH4, the first lever 220 may rotate and thus the end portion 229 a of thegap adjustment member 229 may push upwardly the end portion of thesecond portion 232 of the second lever 230. Accordingly, in spite of theoperating force F2 of the second elastic member 262, the second lever230 may rotate in a clockwise direction 235 around the rotational axis234. Accordingly, the third portion 233 of the second lever 230 may bemoved upwardly and thus the force pressing the anti-collision switch 270may be discontinued. Thus, the pressed state of the anti-collisionswitch 270 may be removed. When the pressed state of the anti-collisionswitch 270 is removed, a control unit (not shown) of the table 100 for amedical diagnosis apparatus may stop the movement of the table frame110, for example, the movements in the vertical direction 171 and/or thelengthwise direction 172, thereby possibly preventing an accidentaccording to the movement of the table frame 110.

When the table frame 110 collides against an examinee or an unspecifiedobject, for example, a wheelchair, during elevation, the table frame 110may be moved upwardly. As such, when the table frame 110 is movedupwardly, the guide frame 120 is moved upwardly and the bearing 210 ofthe switch operation control device 200 may be simultaneously movedupwardly by the guide frame 120. When the height at which the bearing210 is pushed in the upward direction 212 is less than the height changeH3, the pressing of the anti-collision switch 270 may be maintained bythe same operation described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B and thusthe normal state may be maintained. In this point of view, the gap Gbetween the end portion 229 a of the gap adjustment member 229 and thesecond portion 232 of the second lever 230 may be the operation distanceof the anti-collision switch 270 to prevent malfunction due to collisionbased on a reference value. When an impact received by the table frame110 is great and thus the height at which the bearing 210 is pushed inthe upward direction 212 is greater than the height change H3, theanti-collision switch 270 is released by the same operation describedabove with respect to FIG. 5D for the safety of an examinee or toprevent damage of a medical diagnosis apparatus. Thus, the movement ofthe table frame 110 may be stopped. The height change H3 may be directlyrelated to the size of the gap G of FIG. 4. Thus, an operation motion todetermine whether the anti-collision switch 270 is to be operated may beadjusted by adjusting the height of the gap adjustment member 229.

In the switch operation control device 200, since a well-known switch,such as a push button switch or a touch sensor switch, may be used asthe anti-collision switch 270 without using a switch with a specialspecification, manufacturing costs may be reduced. Also, since amagnitude of a motion within which an operation of the movement of tableframe 110 is allowed may be freely adjusted by the gap adjustment member229, the switch operation control device 200 may be easily applied to avariety of specifications of the table 100 for a medical diagnosisapparatus

Although in the above-described embodiment the first lever 220 may bepivotably coupled to the table support 160, the present invention is notlimited thereto. The pivotable coupling of the first lever 220 is one ofthe coupling examples in which at least one end of the first lever 220,that is, a portion where the gap adjustment member 229 is located, ismovable upwardly. In another example, a vertically linear groove may beformed in the table support 160 and a protruding portion to be insertedin the groove of the table support 160 may be formed on the first lever220. Accordingly, the first lever 220 may be coupled to the tablesupport 160 to be capable of moving linearly in the vertical directionas a whole. In this case, as the bearing 210 is moved upwardly, thefirst lever 220 may be moved upwardly as a whole. A dynamic relationshipamong the first lever, 220, the second lever 230, and the first andsecond elastic members 261 and 262 in the above case may besubstantially the same as that in the case of pivotably coupling thefirst lever 220 to the table support 160.

Likewise, although in the above-described embodiment the second lever230 may be pivotably coupled to the first lever 220, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. The pivotably coupling of the secondlever 230 is one of the coupling examples in which at least one end ofthe second lever 230, that is, a portion where the third portion 233 islocated, may be movable upwardly. In another example, a verticallylinear groove may be formed in the table support 160 and a protrudingportion to be inserted in the groove of the table support 160 may beformed on the second lever 230. Accordingly, the second lever 230 may becoupled to the table support 160 to be capable of moving linearly in thevertical direction as a whole. In this case, the second lever 230 mayremain the same without a change in its position or be moved upwardlyaccording to a degree of upward movement of the first lever 220. Whenthe second lever 230 is moved upwardly, the pressed state of theanti-collision switch 270 may be removed. A dynamic relationship amongthe first lever, 220, the second lever 230, and the first and secondelastic members 261 and 262 in the above case may be substantially thesame as that in the case of pivotably coupling the second lever 230 tothe first lever 220. In another case, the second lever 230 may becoupled to the first lever 220 to be capable of moving linearly in thevertical direction. A dynamic relationship among the first lever 220,the second lever 230, and the second elastic member 262 may besubstantially the same as that in the case of pivotably coupling thesecond lever 230 to the first lever 220.

Although in the above-described embodiment one end of the second elasticmember 262 may be fixed on the first lever 220, the present invention isnot limited thereto. Since the second elastic member 262 may perform afunction to press the second lever 230 toward the anti-collision switch270 by the operating force F2, the second elastic member 262 may bevariously deformed within a range of keeping the function. For example,one end of the second elastic member 262 may be fixed on the secondfixed block 250 or may be directly fixed on the table support 160. Inthis case, the third portion 223 of the first lever 220 that fixes oneend of the second elastic member 262 may be omitted because the thirdportion 223 may not be necessary. In any case, the second elastic member262 may apply the operating force F2 as depicted in FIG. 4 by which thesecond elastic member 262 may downwardly press the second portion 232 ofthe second lever 230.

Although in the present embodiment the first and second fixed blocks 240and 250 are provided separated from the table support 160 and fixedlycoupled to the table support 160, the present invention is not limitedthereto. The first and second fixed blocks 240 and 250 may be integrallyformed with the table support 160.

As described above, a device for controlling the operation of ananti-collision switch according to the present invention may prevent amovement of a frame and generation of a collision sound due to themovement of the frame so that the quality of a product may be improvedand an operating motion of the anti-collision switch may be adjustedaccording to specifications. Thus, the device may be applied to avariety of specifications of a table for a medical diagnosis apparatus.

In one or more embodiments, the term apparatus should be consideredsynonymous with elements of a physical system, not limited to a singledevice or enclosure or all described elements embodied in singlerespective enclosures in all embodiments, but rather, depending onembodiment, is open to being embodied together or separately indiffering enclosures and/or locations through differing hardwareelements.

While aspects of the present invention has been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to differing embodiments thereof, it should beunderstood that these embodiments should be considered in a descriptivesense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of featuresor aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered asavailable for other similar features or aspects in the remainingembodiments. Suitable results may equally be achieved if the describedtechniques are performed in a different order and/or if components in adescribed system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in adifferent manner and/or replaced or supplemented by other components ortheir equivalents.

Thus, although a few embodiments have been shown and described, withadditional embodiments being equally available, it would be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that changes may be made in theseembodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of theinvention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for controlling an operation of ananti-collision switch, the anti-collision switch being provided in atable support adjacent to a guide frame that is provided at at least oneof both lateral sides of a table frame that is supported on the tablesupport to be capable of moving in a lengthwise direction, the devicecomprising: a first lever coupled to the table support so that at leasta portion of the first lever moves in a vertical direction according todeformation of the guide frame; and a second lever pressing theanti-collision switch in a normal state and, when a vertical movement ofthe first lever deviates from a preset height, being moved up by thefirst lever to release the anti-collision switch.
 2. The device of claim1, wherein a gap adjustment member for adjusting a gap between the firstlever and the second lever is provided on the first lever such that thegap adjustment member collides against the second lever when the firstlever is moved upwardly.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the gapadjustment member is any one of a bolt, a screw, and a protruding pin.4. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a first elastic memberelastically pressing the first lever toward the guide frame; and asecond elastic member elastically pressing an end of the second levertoward the anti-collision switch.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein oneend of the first elastic member is fixed on the first lever and theother end of the first elastic member is fixed on the table support. 6.The device of claim 4, wherein one end of the second elastic member isfixed on the second lever and the other end of the second elastic memberis fixed on the first lever.
 7. The device of claim 4, wherein one endof the second elastic member is fixed on the second lever and the otherend of the second elastic member is fixed on the table support.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a bearing that is rotatablycoupled to the first lever and directly contacts the guide frame.
 9. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the first lever is pivotably coupled to thetable support.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first levercomprises: a first portion where a rotational axis that is pivotablycoupled to the table support is disposed; and a second portion extendingfrom the first portion in a direction parallel to the guide frame. 11.The device of claim 10, further comprising a first elastic member thathas one end fixed on the second portion of the first lever and the otherend fixed on the table support and elastically presses the secondportion of the first lever toward the guide frame.
 12. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the first lever comprises a third portion that extendsfrom the first portion in the same direction in which the second portionextends and is disposed above at least a portion of the second lever.13. The device of claim 12, further comprising a second elastic memberthat has one end fixed on the second lever and the other end fixed onthe third portion of the first lever so that one side of the secondlever elastically presses the second lever in a direction to press theanti-collision switch.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the secondlever comprises: a first portion where a rotational axis that ispivotably coupled to the first lever is disposed; a second portionformed by being bent from the first portion so that an end of the secondelastic member is fixed on the second portion; and a third portionformed by being bent from the first portion to press the anti-collisionswitch from above.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein a gap adjustmentmember for adjusting a gap between the first lever and the secondportion of the second lever is provided on the first portion of thefirst lever facing the second portion of the second lever.
 16. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the anti-collision switch is a press buttonswitch or a touch sensor.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the firstlever is coupled to the table support to be capable of linearly movingin a vertical direction.
 18. The device of claim 1, wherein the secondlever is coupled to the table support to be capable of pivoting orlinearly moving in a vertical direction.
 19. A table for a medicaldiagnosis apparatus, the table comprising: a table support; a tableframe supported on the table support to be capable of moving in alengthwise direction; a guide frame provided at at least one of bothlateral sides of the table frame; an anti-collision switch provided inthe table support close to the guide frame and operating when acollision occurs in the table frame; a device for controlling anoperation of the anti-collision switch; and a control unit that stops amovement of the table frame when the anti-collision switch is operated,wherein the device for controlling an operation of the anti-collisionswitch comprises: a first lever coupled to the table support so that atleast a portion of the first lever moves in a vertical directionaccording to deformation of the guide frame; and a second lever pressingthe anti-collision switch in a normal state and, when a verticalmovement of the first lever deviates from a preset height, being movedup by the first lever to release the anti-collision switch.
 20. Thetable of claim 19, wherein the height of the table support isadjustable.
 21. The table of claim 19, being a table for an X-rayphotographing apparatus.
 22. A device for controlling an operation of ananti-collision switch, the device comprising: a first lever coupled to asupport adjacent to a guide frame so that at least a portion of thefirst lever moves in a vertical direction according to deformation ofthe guide frame; and a second lever pressing the anti-collision switchin a normal state and, when a vertical movement of the first leverdeviates from a preset height, being moved up by the first lever torelease the anti-collision switch.
 23. The device of claim 22, furthercomprising: a first elastic member elastically pressing the first levertoward the guide frame; and a second elastic member elastically pressingan end of the second lever toward the anti-collision switch.
 24. Thedevice of claim 23, wherein the first lever comprises: a first portionwhere a rotational axis that is pivotably coupled to the table supportis disposed; a second portion extending from the first portion in adirection parallel to the guide frame; and a third portion that extendsfrom the first portion in the same direction in which the second portionextends and is disposed above at least a portion of the second lever.25. The device of claim 24, wherein the second lever comprises: a firstportion where a rotational axis that is pivotably coupled to the firstlever is disposed; a second portion formed by being bent from the firstportion so that an end of the second elastic member is fixed on thesecond portion; and a third portion formed by being bent from the firstportion to press the anti-collision switch from above.
 26. The device ofclaim 25, wherein a gap adjustment member for adjusting a gap betweenthe first lever and the second lever is provided on the first lever suchthat the gap adjustment member collides against the second lever whenthe first lever is moved upwardly.
 27. The device of claim 26, whereinthe anti-collision switch is provided in a table support adjacent to theguide frame that is provided at at least one of both lateral sides of atable frame that is supported on the table support to be capable ofmoving in a lengthwise direction.